Private Health Insurance Rebate News

Private health insurance gives consumers more freedom when it comes to health care. As of 31 December 2017, 45.6 per cent of the Australian population were covered by hospital treatment insurance, according to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). The APRA quarterly report shows that health insurance funds are returning the highest percentage of the premium back to members of all insurance types.

The average Australian health insurance premium has increased by between 4.8 and 6.2 per cent every year since 2010, Department of Health data shows. While the vast majority of consumers still see great value in their health insurance, it's understandable that some are put off by these continuous price increases.

The World Health Organisation regularly ranks the equity, efficiency and quality of health systems around the world. In their most recent report, Australia ranked in the top 20 per cent again, above the United States, and even our neighbours across the Tasman.

Private health insurance has always been a volatile business, with consumers becoming increasingly critical of price increases that happen like clockwork every year. Since 2013 the average price of private health insurance has increased by roughly 23 per cent according to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, and that's having a profound effect on coverage levels.

Countless Australians don't concern themselves with private health insurance until they wish they had it. That may be because most believe that Medicare and the public system covers them for ambulance and emergency services as well as specialist care, according to a recent Pureprofile study.

Healthcare affordability should be near the top of any government's priorities. Yet for so long federal budgets haven't focused enough on health insurance and other essentials that bring the cost of care down for everyday Australians.

As of April 1 this year, health insurance premiums will increase across the industry, and government rebates on private health insurance will decrease. A Department of Health (DoH) media release from February 10 states that the average premium increase for 2017 will be 4.84 per cent - the previous lowest since 2010 was 5.06 per cent.

If you have used your private health insurance (PHI), you'll understand how valuable it is. In fact, CEO of Private Healthcare Australia Dr Rachel David states that 84 per cent of people with PHI want to keep it, even though the average income of someone with a policy is under $50,000.

The Federal Budget for 2016/2017 has been wrapped up already, but the forthcoming federal election promises to put a stone in the shoe of those who think more changes aren't coming. Elections are full of different promises and policies, and if you are concerned for the future costs and efficiency of your health insurance, it's worth while to take a look at what the result could mean for your finances and health.

The Federal Budget is one of the most significant dates of not only the political calendar, but the financial one too. Every industry waits with bated breath to see if this is the year they see that much-needed funding boost, or if cuts will put a further strain on resources.